Sheffield United coach Jonathan Morgan was today accused of calling Maddy Cusack a 'psycho' before her tragic death, leaving her in fear.
Her family said Morgan did that dropped her from the starting lineup and made complaints about her weight after being recruited by the Blades.
In surprising allegations, the 27-year-old's father also claimed the manager had told her teammates about their previous disagreements and portrayed her as 'difficult'.
David Cusack added that his daughter's anxiety about her new boss worried her so much that she had to move back in with him and her mother, take medication and consider counseling.
In the emotional letter, he said he believed his daughter would still be alive if the coach had not been appointed.
The 27-year-old's tragic death in September sent shockwaves through the football world
Morgan is said to have called Cusack a 'psycho' on the touchline while managing Burnley, which she said was further evidence of his dislike of her
Maddy's tragic death in September sent shockwaves through the football world given her success in the sport.
But at her memorial, her family shared a speech, read by her mother Deborah, that said “her spirit could have been broken by football.”
Sheffield United opened an independent investigation into the death of their vice-captain in December and after nine weeks concluded there was 'no evidence of wrongdoing'.
In September, Morgan left the club after a formal complaint was made about alleged behavior towards certain players. Following the conclusion of their investigation, the women's first team coach will return to the sidelines this weekend when United take on Tottenham. their tie in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
But a report from the Athletic today claims the Cusack family's official complaint to the club following Maddy's death claims the player left her former club Leicester – then managed by Morgan – in 2019 because she believed the manager 'hated her'.
She is said to have feared that his subsequent appointment to United in February 2023 would mean 'history would repeat itself'.
Cusack also worked as a marketing manager at the club, who said they were 'devastated' by her death
Sheffield United legend Billy Sharp tweeted a candid photo of him and Cusack in celebration of the club's promotion to the Premier League
As well as previously coaching Cusack at Leicester, Morgan is said to have called Cusack a 'psycho' on the touchline while managing Burnley, which she said was further evidence of his dislike of her.
Her family say that when Morgan was appointed manager of Sheffield, he dropped her from the starting line-up and allegedly told her she was overweight.
They also claim that he told other players about their previous clashes, giving the impression that she was difficult to control.
The complaint is said to have been written by Cusack's father David, a lawyer, and highlights that the anxiety caused by Morgan's appointment led her to move back in with her parents, receive prescribed medication and discuss counseling with United's club doctor.
“There were a number of factors that ultimately concerned her, but they all stem from the relationship with JM (Morgan),” reads the complaint – which the Athletic claims to have read. “As she confided to us (her family), every problem had its origin in JM's appointment.
“We know she would still be with us if he had not been appointed. Her texts and conversations support this.”
The former England youth international, who was the longest-serving player in the current squad, signed a new contract extension with the club in July last year.
Floral tributes in club colors were left by well-wishers in memory of Maddy at the Blades ground after her death was announced last year
The Athletic said it had repeatedly contacted Morgan for comment on the allegations made in their report, and he has previously denied treating Cusack unfavorably, with United's investigation finding no disciplinary action against him.
Maddy was the longest serving member at Sheffield United and was appointed vice-captain in August last year.
Her sudden death caused an outpouring of grief from her 'broken' teammates, as well as several members of the Lionesses team.
Lionesses Captain Leah Williamson wrote: 'Sending all my love and condolences to Maddy's family at this terrible time!'
Williamson was joined by teammates Beth Mead, Jordan Nobbs, Beth England and Lauren Hemp to pay tribute.
The FA director by women's footballBaroness Sue Campbell issued a statement on behalf of the women's national team, saying the FA was offering its support to the Blades.
She said: “On behalf of the FA, the Lionesses, the Women's Super League and the Women's Championship, our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Maddy's family, friends, teammates and everyone at Sheffield United.
“Maddy also represented England at age group level and we will pay tribute to her at an appropriate time. We are in contact with the club and will continue to offer them our full support at this incredibly sad time.”
